Five of us gathered for the first brunch of 2019 January 27, which coincidentally is also the day that Ursuline Sisters and Ursuline Associates everywhere celebrate our founder, St. Angela Merici.
When Angela Merici gathered her first group of women in 16th century Italy, she created for women a new and independent expression of religious commitment, allowing them freedom to live consecrated lives while living in the world and working to transform church and society. A confidante of Angela described her as “a fire that set others alight.”
At brunch, we shared a short prayer recalling “the light” that St. Angela continues to be for us today.
We all shared what’s going on in our lives and discussed the children we tutor. Beatitude House Immigrant Outreach tutors and children recently enjoyed a fun evening at Extreme Air and are planning a family swim at the Ursuline Center next month.
We also talked about our upcoming weekend retreat, “Rejoice Together, and Together Encourage One Another!”, for single women ages 18-40 to celebrate National Catholic Sisters Week. Angela’s Villa will be the center of our reflective immersion experience. During the three-day event, we’ll visit Beatitude House and the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry, Boardman’s St. Luke Parish, and hear the real-life experiences of Ursuline Sisters, Ursuline Associates, ministry leaders, staff members and clients.
There also will be time for personal reflection and fun group experiences. If you’re interested in being part of this wonderful annual event, please contact me at 330-261-4729 or [email protected].
After brunch we enjoyed cookies and candy left from Christmas.